Despite ongoing protests in Iran, the Kurdistan Region’s local markets remain stable. The unrest has affected trade volume between KRG and Iran, but it has not changed prices of food or imported goods.
Sheikh Ata Mohammed, Deputy General Manager of the Kurdistan Importers and Exporters Union, said: “The protests in Iran have reduced the overall trade volume with the Kurdistan Region. Traders are cautious about shipping products due to security concerns, and internet disruptions have hindered communication with Iranian companies.”
He added that some Kurdistan traders have shifted their trade focus. Many are now exporting to Turkey and other countries instead of Iran. Others are concentrating on selling vegetables, fruits, and imported goods locally. Despite the slowdown in trade with Iran, Sheikh Ata confirmed that the local markets have not seen any price spikes. Historical experiences, including COVID-19 disruptions and past border closures with Iran, showed that Kurdistan’s markets remained resilient.
KRG and Iran share deep historical and cultural trade ties. Annually, about 30% of Kurdistan traders conduct business at the Haji Omran, Parwez Khan, and Bashmakh borders with Iran. The total trade volume between the Kurdistan Region and Iran reaches approximately 6 billion dinars each year.
Trade experts highlight that Kurdistan’s markets are diversified. The region relies on multiple trade routes and partners, which helps maintain stable prices even during disruptions in Iran. Local traders continue to monitor the situation closely while ensuring that food and imported goods remain available at regular prices.
The ongoing protests in Iran have temporarily slowed cross-border trade, but they have not impacted the KRG’s market stability. Consumers in Kurdistan can continue to buy food, vegetables, and imported products without concern for rising prices. This resilience demonstrates the strength of the Kurdistan Region’s economic structure and its ability to adapt to external challenges.
